Nick Fatool's Jazz Band & Quartet

Drummer Nick Fatool only had one opportunity to lead a record date in his entire career, and that was late in his life. Fortunately, it was a very good Dixieland-oriented session featuring a mostly all-star cast: cornetist Ernie Carson (in top form), tenor saxophonist Eddie Miller, clarinetist Johnny Mince, pianist Lou Stein, guitarist Bill Rutan and bassist Bob Haggart. Although Fatool takes some drum breaks, he does not dominate the music. Highlights of the eight selections include heated renditions of "Down Among the Sheltering Palms," "Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland" and "Hotter Than That." This CD reissue adds two previously unreleased numbers (which are not mentioned at all in the liner notes, although they are listed) from a live date in 1982. Tenor great Bud Freeman starts off by praising Fatool as his favorite drummer and then jams "The Man I Love" and "Just One of Those Things" in a quintet with Fatool, pianist Ray Sherman, the young guitarist Howard Alden and bassist Phil Stephens. The interplay and tradeoffs between the 75-year-old Freeman and the 23-year-old Alden are delightful. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow